Flanagan: Exciting times ahead here

Just one game into pre-season they may be, but Jon Flanagan is predicting 'exciting times' for Liverpool in the upcoming campaign.

The full-back clocked up 45 minutes in the Reds' first friendly outing on Wednesday, a late 2-1 defeat by Brondby in Denmark.

He's fresh from the breakthrough campaign of his career, contributing significantly to a journey that almost brought an unexpected Barclays Premier League title.

Champions League football was secured, though, and Flanagan is already anticipating the start of competitive action next month.

"Last season was great but we move on now, that's gone," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "I think everyone, the fans and everyone around the club, just can't wait for the season to start. Hopefully we can have a great season.

"There's competition for places all over the place. Everyone is competing. It's fresh now and starts again; we've all got to go for it and hopefully we can have a successful season.

"At the end of pre-season, we want to come out of it with no injuries and all the team fit and ready to start with Southampton.

"Then push on and hopefully do well in the Champions League - everyone can't wait for that and the draw. The fans will be buzzing. It's exciting times for this club and hopefully we can have a great season."

Brendan Rodgers provided opportunities for a batch of U18s and U21s youngsters to show their qualities at the Brondby Stadion earlier this week.

His faith was rewarded when fellow half-time substitutes Jordon Ibe and Kristoffer Peterson combined to convert an exquisite goal three minutes after the restart.

"It's great for them to come away and show what they can do," said Flanagan shortly after the final whistle. "We've been in that situation before.

"You have seen Raheem [Sterling] - he was at this stage two years ago and has just played at the World Cup. It's a great chance for them to express themselves and hopefully push on.

"It was a good first outing, to come over here with a full stadium of 30,000 fans in Daniel Agger's home country. It was a great experience for all of the lads."